Name: Grace Cruickshank
Year: Sophomore
Major: Business Administration-Marketing
Hometown: West Linn, Oregon
Q: What is your favorite thing about attending UP?
A: By far my favorite thing about attending UP has been the atmosphere of the school. I’ve made some of my closest friends here on campus which is something I’m really thankful for. Campus, in my opinion, is very active and I love attending all the sporting events.
Q: What is your most memorable Halloween costume?
A: I’ve never been the best with coming up with Halloween costumes. Most of them are extremely last minute. However, for multiple years I kept the theme of being “Rajon Rondo’s #1 fan” where I wear everything Rondo that I own.
Q: You’re living in a house off-campus this year. Could you tell us what that’s like? How’s it different from living in a dorm?
A: Living off campus I feel has given me a lot more independence and responsibility, which I love. It’s so fun to have my own space, but also to have housemates to hang out with in our shared living spaces. Our house is super old and is slightly falling apart but through that, we have made best friends with our maintenance man Jake! Compared to the dorms, however, you don’t necessarily get the sense of community that you have there. Both are great. For myself personally, moving into a house has made this year so much better.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about training for the New York Marathon?
A: The beginning of my training for the New York City Marathon actually kick-started right around the beginning of school, which was slightly challenging. With managing classes and relationships, free time is rare. However, I’ve had to work hard at making training a priority. I’m on a team that’s fundraising towards cancer research through The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and so I also get to train with them. I have speed work twice a week, and mid-length runs on the other few days. Then, I fire up around 6 am every Saturday morning for my long runs which range over the training period from 10-24 miles until the big race. My team actually just received the news that we are starting and running the beginning of the race with the former Olympian gold medalists Ashton Eaton and Brianne Eaton, which is extremely exciting for me! But anyways, love training. It keeps me motivated and in great shape, and also makes me very conscious of how I fuel my body and make sure I keep myself healthy. It’s a time consumer for sure, but running has always been a passion of mine so I seriously enjoy it!
Q: If you could be any spooky Halloween creature, what would you be and why?
A: If I could be any spooky Halloween creature…. I’m not much of the creative type. However, I would definitely be a ghost so I could creep on people without them knowing!